The saga between the New York Jets and Jamal Adams took a turn for the worse with the Jets refusing to give him an extension this offseason. In an article for ESPN, Rich Cimini highlighted New York's stance on signing Adams to a contract extension.
Adams, who was a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, still has two years remaining on his rookie contract — if you count the fifth-year option. As a result, the Jets believe that it is best to wait until after the 2020 NFL season to begin speaking to Adams about an extension.
In the NFL, it's been a rarity for players — even of Adams' caliber — to receive an extension after their third season. Since 2011, only 16 of the 223 players taken in the first round have signed extensions following their third season.
Furthermore, the only defensive players to do so have been J.J. Watt, Luke Kuechly, Patrick Peterson, and Robert Quinn. Even guys like Aaron Donald, Khalil Mack, and Von Miller had to wait until after their third season to sign new contracts.
Seeing that Eddie Jackson received a contract worth $14.6 million annually earlier this offseason, Adams will likely want to exceed that number. If the Jets aren't willing to make that happen, the All-Pro safety could request a trade in the near future.
Maybe New York has promised Adams a deal after next season if he is able to compile another stellar year in 2020. Or perhaps, the Jets plan on keeping control of Adams for four more years — using the franchise tag on him twice.
Regardless of how it plays out, it could be a drawn-out dispute between Adams and the Jets.
